Five participants in Al Talaa competition qualified Monday for the next round as part of the 16th edition of the Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2025). The event is organised by the Qatari Falconry Association under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, supported by the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam), and set to go on until February 1 at Sabkhat Marmi in the Sealine area. With clear skies, competitions for Groups 6-10 started, showcasing the finest falcons, which secured their owners' qualifications amid intense competition. The deciding factor for qualification was the falcon’s speed when released from the vehicle and heading directly toward the Houbara bustard bird, which alternately hides and flares its feathers in defiance, but ultimately was not able to escape its fate. Al Talaa Committee member Rashdan Obeid al-Rashdan said that the competitions for Groups 6-10 on Monday were held in ideal conditions, with the clear visibility, which increased the number of qualifiers to nine by the end of the second day of the competition. Regarding the change in the competition field this year, he said that the new field serves the participating falconers better, especially since better visibility. Al-Rashdan noted that within just two days of compeitition, falcons have been successfully released towards their targets, achieving the goal of qualifying for the next round. Competitions would continue this morning with Groups 11-15. Haddad Al Tahadi Committee head Shawi al-Kaabi noted the increasingly remarkable performances by falconers in spite of the tough challenges. In the meantime, the Marmi Festival provides comprehensive services for the participants and visitors, including a wide range of shops at Souq Marmi that cater to all needs, including traditional seating areas that respect family privacy. The festival also ensures shops offering medications and falconry tools are close by and easily accessible to falconers. With the participation of the Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital, also available are on-site consultations, treatments, and examinations with advanced veterinary equipment, sparing falconers the need to go to Doha, Al Khor, or other places.